Half-centuries from Misbah-ul-Haq and Umar Akmal dug Pakistan out of a tricky situation and carried them towards a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup.

Chasing 189 to win, they had slipped to 33 for three in the 13th over but a 152-run partnership between the pair put Pakistan on course for a victory that all but assures them a place in the final.

Aizaz Cheema had earlier taken four for 43 and Saeed Ajmal three for 27 as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 188 in 45.4 overs before slumping to their second straight defeat. They now require a big win over Bangladesh and other results to go their way if they are to stand any chance of maintaining their proud record of never failing to reach an Asia Cup final.

Kumar Sangakkara hit 71 and Upul Tharanga 57 but they ground out the runs after coming together with the score on 65 for four following Cheema's early burst, aided by Umar Gul, who returned wto for 20 with the wickets of Dinesh Chandimal for nought and Nuwan Kulasekara for four.